Network Ten axes Big Brother

Australian broadcaster Network Ten is to axe reality series Big Brother after the current season as a result of declining ratings.

The show, which is produced by Endemol Southern Star, had seen ratings fall to just over 1million compared to 2001’s high of 2.8million.

Ten had attempted to spice up the current series by including Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, but even this did not have the ratings jump that the network was hoping for.

Network Ten was reportedly paying around A$25m a year for the format.

Endemol Southern Star, which is a joint venture between the Big Brother creator Endemol and Australian producer and distributor Southern Star, is now looking to sell the format to a rival broadcaster. It is eyeing a number of digital channels and pay TV operator Foxtel.